Recall 11V153000

Shift Cable May Disengage From Shifter

RepairPal Expert Overview

Our Quick Take:

The shifter may move into the "Park" position when the transmission is not actually in "Park." If the vehicle is left in this condition without the parking brake engaged, the vehicle could roll away or crash, potentially injuring someone.

What Should You Do?

We at RepairPal have designated this a high priority recall. The shift cable could disengage from the shifter without warning. Please contact your Kia dealer. They will check to see if your specific vehicle is affected and advise you on what to do next. Always have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy when you call.

Summary:

The shift cable may have been installed incorrectly, causing tension in the cable. The tension could cause the cable to become disconnected from the shifter, disabling proper gear selection. If the vehicle is left unattended with the transmission not in "Park" and the parking brake not engaged, the vehicle could roll, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. Dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall it if necessary. This recall is expected to begin during March of 2011. The Kia recall number is SC088.

Original Recall from the NHTSA

Manufacturer's Report Date:

March 3, 2011

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:

11V153000

NHTSA Action Number:

PE10046

Component:

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

Potential Number of Units Affected:

70,115

Summary:

KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2007. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SHIFT CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, CAUSING TENSION IN THE CABLE. IF PRESENT, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE CABLE TO DETACH FROM THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY'S DOWEL PIN PREVENTING THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING SHIFTED. THE SHIFT LEVER CAN THEN BE MOVED INTO THE PARK (P) POSITION WHILE THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION IS STILL IN THE LAST USED GEAR BEFORE DETACHMENT.

Consequence:

IF THE DRIVER LEAVES THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE VEHICLE CAN ROLL INJURE A PERSON IN ITS PATH OR CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT CABLE AND REINSTALL IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNER MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Notes:

KIA'S SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS SC088. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Recall data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration